mendel's laws: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowAcademic, Technical (Biology)
Quick answer
What does “mendel's laws” mean?
The fundamental principles of inheritance in biology, formulated by Gregor Mendel, describing how traits are passed from parents to offspring via discrete units (genes).
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Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The fundamental principles of inheritance in biology, formulated by Gregor Mendel, describing how traits are passed from parents to offspring via discrete units (genes).
In a broader or metaphorical sense, can refer to any foundational, simple, and predictive rules governing a complex system, especially one involving combination and transmission.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'behaviour' vs. 'behavior').
Connotations
Identical technical and historical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and restricted to academic/biological contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “mendel's laws” in a Sentence
[Subject] obeys/violates Mendel's laws.Mendel's laws govern/predict [inheritance pattern].An experiment demonstrates/illustrates Mendel's laws.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mendel's laws” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Mendelian ratio was clearly visible in the pea plant offspring.
- This is a classic Mendelian trait.
American English
- The Mendelian ratio was clearly visible in the pea plant offspring.
- This trait follows a Mendelian pattern.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Essential terminology in introductory biology, genetics, and history of science courses.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core concept in genetics, plant breeding, and medical genetics to describe simple monogenic traits.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mendel's laws”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mendel's laws”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mendel's laws”
- Calling it 'Mendel law' (must be plural 'laws').
- Using it to describe complex, polygenic traits which do not follow simple Mendelian patterns.
- Misspelling as 'Mendal's laws'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, three are cited: the Law of Segregation, the Law of Independent Assortment, and the Law of Dominance (sometimes considered a principle rather than a law).
They are highly accurate for traits controlled by single genes with clear dominance/recessiveness, under normal chromosomal conditions. Many exceptions (e.g., linkage, incomplete dominance, mitochondrial genes) exist.
He conducted his pioneering experiments on pea plants (Pisum sativum) in the garden of his monastery.
They provided the first mathematical and predictive framework for heredity, establishing the concept of discrete hereditary units (genes), which is the cornerstone of modern genetics.
The fundamental principles of inheritance in biology, formulated by Gregor Mendel, describing how traits are passed from parents to offspring via discrete units (genes).
Mendel's laws is usually academic, technical (biology) in register.
Mendel's laws: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmen.dəlz lɔːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmen.dəlz lɑːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Mendel's Laws are like sorting PEAS: Parents give alleles, Each gamete gets one, Assortment is independent, Segregation happens in meiosis.
Conceptual Metaphor
INHERITANCE IS THE TRANSMISSION OF DISCRETE UNITS (like coins or cards being passed down and reshuffled).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT one of Mendel's laws?